Last round writing skills 06.01.2025

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Last round writing skills 06.01.2025

Welcome! This is your final formal letter writing practice before the exam.

Today, we will:

Understand the rubric criteria for formal letters.

Analyze examples to see what works and what doesn’t.

Apply these skills to improve and write strong letters.

Review Google Classroom resources and assignments.

The rubric

Conventions (1 pt): Correct use of addressing, dates, salutation, and closing.

Content (2 pts): Cover all required elements (introduction, problems, solution, etc.).

Communication (2 pts): Clear structure, formal tone, and coherence.

Language Use (8 pts): Grammar and spelling errors affect scores (0 errors = 8, 8+ errors = 0).

Total: 13 points

Example 1; score +/-  4:

Example 2; score +/- 8:

Why one is better than the other

Example 1 Issues:

Missing purchase details and specific problems.

Tone is informal and unprofessional.

No proposed solution.

Too short and lacks depth.

Example 2 Strengths:

Includes all necessary details (date, purchase info, problems, solution).

Uses formal, respectful tone.

Clear and well-structured paragraphs.

Direct request for action with a polite closing.

Writing tips

1. Follow Formal Conventions

Use a Professional Structure: Always include the sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, formal salutation, and closing. This maintains professionalism and ensures your letter is easily understood.

Use Proper Titles and Salutations: Address the recipient respectfully with titles such as "Dear Sir or Madam" or use their specific name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Johnson”). Avoid overly casual greetings like "Hello" or "Hey."

End Formally: Close with “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully” depending on the context. Always sign your letter, either by hand or electronically.

2. Be Clear and Concise

State the Purpose Upfront: In complaint letters, clearly explain what went wrong (e.g., product defect). In application letters, express your intention to apply for a job immediately.

Complaint Letter Example:

“I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the Apple AirPods Pro that I purchased on December 15, 2024.”

Application Letter Example:

“I am writing to express my interest in applying for the Customer Support Representative position at XYZ Corporation.”

Stay Focused and Avoid Over-Detailing: Whether you're making a complaint or applying for a position, only include essential information.

Complaint Letter: Focus on the malfunctioning aspects (e.g., charging issue) without unnecessary context.

Application Letter: Mention relevant skills or experiences related to the job you are applying for.

3. Address the Recipient Appropriately

Use Professional Titles: Always address the recipient formally using titles like "Mr." or "Ms." if you know the person’s name.

Complaint Letter Example:

“Dear Sir or Madam,”

Application Letter Example:

“Dear Mr. Johnson,” (if the name is known) or "Dear Sir/Madam," if not.

Close Formally: Always close with “Yours sincerely”. 

Complaint Letter Example:

“Yours sincerely, [Signature]”

Application Letter Example:

“Yours sincerely, [Signature]”

4. Be Specific and Detailed

In a Complaint Letter: Describe the problem clearly, provide specific details (such as product serial numbers, order dates, etc.), and state the issue.

Complaint Letter Example:

“The charging case for my AirPods does not charge properly, even though it is correctly plugged in and functioning normally for other devices.”

Solution Proposal:

“I would appreciate a replacement unit or a full refund for the faulty product.”

In an Application Letter: Focus on relevant qualifications and skills related to the position you're applying for.

Application Letter Example:

“I believe my 5 years of experience as a customer service representative at XYZ Company, along with my strong communication skills, make me a strong fit for this role.”

5. Maintain a Professional and Polite Tone

Avoid Emotional Language: In complaint letters, express dissatisfaction without using overly emotional language. Maintain professionalism at all times.

Complaint Letter Example:

“I am disappointed with the performance of the product” (instead of "I’m furious with the product”).

Application Letter Example:

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to XYZ Corporation” (instead of “I really want this job”).

Be Courteous in Application Letters: Focus on your qualifications and express enthusiasm for the position without sounding desperate.

Application Letter Example:

“I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team.”

6. Propose a Solution (Complaint Letter) / Highlight Your Skills (Application Letter)

Complaint Letter: Always suggest a reasonable resolution, such as a replacement or refund, and justify it.

Complaint Letter Example:

“Given that the product does not function as advertised, I would appreciate a full refund or a replacement unit at your earliest convenience.”

Application Letter: Focus on how you can contribute to the organization.

Application Letter Example:

“I am confident that my background in customer service will allow me to contribute effectively to your team.”

7. Proofread and Edit

Check for Grammar and Spelling: Ensure the letter is error-free. Poor grammar or spelling errors can harm the professionalism of both complaint and application letters.

Complaint Letter Example:

"The product does not work as intended” (not “The product doesn’t work how it’s supposed too”).

Application Letter Example:

“I am highly interested in this opportunity” (not “I’m highly interested in this opportunity”).

Ensure Clarity: Each paragraph should lead logically to the next. Make sure the purpose of the letter is clear from the start.

Complaint Letter Example:

The letter should follow a logical flow: 1) Introduce the issue, 2) Explain how it affects you, and 3) Suggest a solution.

Application Letter Example:

Organize your qualifications, skills, and reasons for applying in a clear, concise manner.

8. Express Gratitude and Anticipate a Response

Complaint Letter: Thank the recipient for their attention to your issue and express hope for resolution.

Complaint Letter Example:

“Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a timely resolution.”

Application Letter: Thank the recipient for considering your application and express enthusiasm for next steps.

Application Letter Example:

“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.”

9. Check all the lessonup lessons, the readers and practice exams in Classroom.

Make sure you go through the signal word list one more time to add variety to your letters. 

One more practice

You have the chance to go through another practice letter in the exam format. Make sure you do this one as best as you can, to make sure that you are well prepared. 

Good luck!